Alexandra

StephT (and everyone else): You can absolutely call the carrier to find out if they've received everything they need. This is crucial! So much time is wasted because someone didn't get a fax or something--it is your job to check on things and make sure they are moving along. Call member services and say you want to find out if a request for preauthorization of surgery has been submitted, and what the status is. OF COURSE you have the right to ask!!!

Many doctors and just about all insurance companies have this six-month requirement of supervised attempt at weight loss. You can't invent it if it's not there, so get started now! As for the other attempts, what I did was make a chart to the best of my memory with the date, my weight at the start, the type of diet, how long I was on it, and my weight at the end. I had about 10 different attempts on this list, starting with WW at age 8 and weight-loss camp at age 10. Obviously I had to estimate or even guess at the weights and details for a lot of it, but when I was done it was impressive (depressing?). So tell you doc you want to start now on the 6 month supervised diet, he'll supervise and take notes each time you visit (at least once a month, better to be every two weeks or even every week). When the six months is up you'll have all the information you need to proceed.

That completely depends on how it's done. I have mine in the hospital under fluoroscopy, and the total tab is about $800. Thankfully, it's covered by insurance.

Oh, Carrie what a hassle! If it makes you feel any better, I'm experiencing the same fill--pain--unfill--OKforawhile--refill--OKforawhile--pain--unfill cycle that you are in. So please don't feel you have done anything wrong by seeking continued care and attention. Questionable mass? Get a second opinion! That doesn't have to come from a surgeon...see a gastroenterologist to get that diagnosed if you think there's anything really there. Yikes! But I have to say that there really may come a point (and I think I'm there) when some people can't tolerate any fill at all. I may have to have my current .5 ccs removed soon and if they take it out I'm sure that will be it for me. I don't want to have my band removed but will be happy to live with no fill if it means no reflux. I've always figured the band would take me to a certain point and no further, and now I know what that point is. Good luck!! I hope you and your doctor "make up" and find a way to continue your care. Keep us posted!

JeninCo, don't go away mad. This is the part of the site that gets all sorts of weird stuff posted in it, and as ... interesting ... as it gets sometimes I hope it doesn't detract from the main focus of the site. All the other sections are dedicated to banding issues, and I'm sure you'll find answers and inspiration there. This section is for ranters and ravers, and the opening post in this thread certainly fits that description, doncha think? :success1:

Wow, that does seem a totally uncalled-for response. But I don't think there's anything to be gained by confronting him--it was due to his defensiveness and wasn't an implication of anything against you or your husband. Chalk it up to his living a lifetime of slights and suspicions that he still is responding to. Don't take it personally.

Hi Silly! :success1: So many times I've heard people share stories about the conditions they found while undergoing presurgical testing. It is indeed a blessing! If your condition is fixable (is it?) perhaps you'll find the strength and stamina to work on getting healthy without surgery. It's great they found it!! Welcome (again) to LBT, and I hope everything works out as you desire.

I'm so sorry, but this is no doubt the best way to get the infection under control and eradicated for good. Don't take chances with your long-term health! There's always time for another approach to weight loss in the future. Good luck with your surgery! Please let us know how it goes. Thinking of you... :hug:

Quoting myself. Nobody knows mine?

From a play turned into a classic movie: "The Bible is a book. It's a good book. But it's not the only book."

:rockon: Wise words, sir.

Congratulations! I'm another Abkin/Bertha patient and it's nice to meet you!! Take care of yourself, heal up, and hang out here for questions and support. Welcome to LBT!!! :high5: :whoo: :rockon:

Hi Celeste!! It's great to hear you're doing well. I think of you often! :hug:

Hi Snowhard, If you're coming on to your group's medical plan, in most states you can't be excluded because of your health condition. I know that's the case in NY, at least. Is the company you're coming on to a large company (i.e., is it self-funded)? If it's a huge corporation that covers itself, it is responsible for making all the coverage decisions. If they want you, you're in.

Oooh, oooh!! I know, I know!! :clap2:

Hi Tracy, welcome to LBT! Congratulations on youre great weight loss!! How are you doing with the band, 3 years out? Do you have any reflux or esophageal problems? Great to have more long-termers here!!

My Dh handed me a handful of change the other day, which turned out to be four of the new dollar coins and one quarter. It really took me a minute, but on inspection I could tell which was which easily enough. I like the new coins! But I completely agree that we won't ever fully adopt dollar coins until they just stop making paper bills.

I'm a heterosexual liberal atheist, and I know I couldn't do what's pictured if my life depended on it!

berry, heartburn is more a function of stomach acid than anything else, and if you are producing too much acid you may need medication to deal with it. Some people over-produce even when there's no food in the stomach to trigger it. Check with your doctor, but I'd think that a Zantac before bed would be fine post-banding.

Oh my, what a piece of hooey!! Anyone who gets one of these e-mails abd buys into it should really be ashamed of themselves, on so many levels. This sort of thing really makes me wonder about the future of our society.

Wow, MzAngel, what a difficult situation! From where I sit surgery would seem to be the right move. You don't want to jeopardize your baby's development, and surgery on pregnant women is done all the time. I know someone who recently had gall bladder surgery in her 7th month of pregnancy, and all went well. She's healthy, home, and the baby is doing just wonderfully. Good luck and please keep us posted!

This is going nowhere. Locked.

Hi Dawg! Well said, and I completely agree. Thanks!!

That is not going to matter. If the last doctor note you had was back in 2000 it would be an issue, but you're totally good. You've got more medical backup than many people do!

Just wanted to highlight the above, because it bears repeating. :clap2: